Health Reviewshttp://www.ladybirdln.com
Find the best possible health programsWed, 26 Apr 2017 10:58:12 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8Raspberry Ketones – Trendy Fat Burner But Requires Massive Doseshttp://www.ladybirdln.com/raspberry-ketones-review/
http://www.ladybirdln.com/raspberry-ketones-review/#respondMon, 20 Feb 2017 18:17:00 +0000http://www.ladybirdln.com/?p=890If you always have thoughts on losing throughout the day, you’re not alone. Losing weight is the undisputed number one health goal with quitting smoking coming in a close second. If you’re in the US, you must be pretty used to seeing people overweight day in and day out and that’s because over 30% of […]

]]>If you always have thoughts on losing throughout the day, you’re not alone. Losing weight is the undisputed number one health goal with quitting smoking coming in a close second. If you’re in the US, you must be pretty used to seeing people overweight day in and day out and that’s because over 30% of Americans are literally too heavy for their own good. That’s one in every three people and makes being overweight a common sight.

Naturally, people are looking for ways to shed the extra pounds and among them include plenty of weight loss programs, coaches, and lots of strict dieting in between. The problem is, most weight loss methods are so difficult that more than 85% of people fail or temporarily succeed and gain back the weight eventually.

This is why people turn to supplements to help them propel their weight loss efforts through the roof but not every supplement works. Some are just trendy but lack the empirical evidence to back up the hype. Speaking of trendy, Raspberry Ketones are pretty popular in weight loss blends but do they work? Let’s find out!

The Lowdown on Raspberry Ketones

Raspberry Ketones are a natural substance that give red raspberries their powerful aroma. Before it was used as a fat burner, raspberry ketones were used in cosmetics, softdrinks, ice cream, and even in processed food as a flavour enhancing compound.

Since raspberry ketones are a natural compound, surely you can just eat a lot of it and get the benefit of the whole fruit, right? It’s possible but definitely impractical. Extracting raspberry ketones from raspberries is insanely expensive since you need 90 pounds (41 kg) of raspberries to get the amount needed for a single dose or roughly 150-200 mg. This is why the raspberry ketones found in supplements are synthetic and are anything but natural.

Despite a standard dose of 200 mg, current research suggest the following doses when correlated to the effective doses on rats:

870-3,700 mg for a 150lb person

1,100-5,000 mg for a 200lb person

1,500-6,200 mg for a 250lb person

This makes raspberry ketones too impractical (not to mention dangerous) to use as a standalone fat burner.

How do Raspberry Ketones promote weight loss?

Raspberry ketones have become red-hot due to some studies suggesting that they may specifically target and burn visceral fat reserves — aka belly fat. raspberry ketones have also been suggested to initiate fat-burning, skyrocket metabolism, improve oxidation of fatty acids and block the storage of fat.

“In conclusion, the results of this study show that exposure of RK inhibits the process of adipocyte differentiation, as confirmed by a reduction in the expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes. Also RK enhanced the expression of genes involved in lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation pathways. These findings might help to explain the underlying mechanisms for the anti-obesity actions of RK at gene expression levels.”

The caveat, though, is raspberry ketones are not exactly guaranteed to work on its own through oral supplementation. Most studies that report success have either been done on rats or in test tubes.

The only human study we found that shows raspberry ketones as a fat burner – where there was a reported fat loss of 7.8% compared to 2.8% in placebo – was done with raspberry ketones as part of a blend of other fat burners. The blend was METABO.

“The combination of ingredients with potentially complementary and interactive mechanisms of action may account for the favorable changes observed in many of the clinical endpoints in the METABO group. Razberi-K® contains Raspberry ketone (4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2-one), which is a naturally occurring phenolic compound in red raspberry (Rubus ideas) that has been shown to enhance norepinephrine-induced lipolysis in adipocytes, prevent high-fat diet-induced body weight gain in mice, and increase adiponectin gene expression and secretion in adipocytes in culture.”

So we can’t exactly give credit to raspberry ketones alone. There may have been some synergy or single contribution but that remains to be proven.

Adinopectin hormone

Increased secretion and cellular levels of adiponectin were also noted after 4 days of incubating fat cells with raspberry ketones. Adinopectin is a hormone released by fat cells and is believed to be a factor in the maintenance of blood sugar levels and metabolism.

“An immunoassay showed that raspberry ketones increased both the expression and the secretion of adiponectin, an adipocytokine mainly expressed and secreted by adipose tissue. In addition, treatment with 10 µM of raspberry ketones increased the fatty acid oxidation and suppressed lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.”

Adinopectin also happens to be a hormone associated with thin people as they show higher levels of this hormone than those who are overweight. It is also increased the more people lose weight.

Other health benefits

As mentioned, raspberry ketones may have cosmetic/aesthetic benefits.

Hair

Raspberry ketone, used topically as a 0.01% solution applied once daily for 5 months, has been found to increase IGF-1 production in the skin and may lead to increased hair growth. IGF-1 stands for Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 and is a protein encoded by this gene is similar to insulin in function and structure, and is a member of a family of proteins involved in mediating growth and development.

Skin

Raspberry ketone has also been linked to increased skin elasticity when administered topically as a solution of 0.01% in human females.

What kind of experiences do users have with Raspberry Ketones?

We browsed several forums and product reviews on raspberry ketones-only supplements and it was all mixed. Some people report weight loss, others don’t. Some even end up heavier than they started with. These reviews have to be taken with a grain of salt, though, as no one person has the exact same body which means raspberry ketones may or may not work on you.

That said, supplements aren’t some sort of magic pill that zaps the fat out of your body if you swallow the whole bottle. You have to marry supplementation with healthier choices if you want to maximize your product.

How safe are Raspberry Ketones?

Animal testing with massive doses didn’t report any sort of side effects, we can’t be too sure what would’ve happened had those mice been fed raspberry ketones for months longer. Some anecdotes report of jitters, palpitations, and elevated blood pressure but that remains to be confirmed on paper.

If it means anything, the FDA labeled raspberry ketones as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). It’s the same label they use on high fructose corn syrup and soybean oil, two controversial food substances with potential health implications.

Final thoughts on Raspberry Ketones

With a lot of miracle weight loss ingredients popping out everywhere, it’s hard to determine if they truly work or the science behind their weight loss properties have all been ballooned for marketing purposes. What we do know is raspberry ketones have potential in being part of a weight loss regiment and would most likely work best as part of a fat-burning blend. Raspberry Ketones show promise in rat studies but whether it’s capable of similar functions in humans is still up for debate.

Product recommendations

Now that we’ve established raspberry ketones’ weakness as a solo fat burner, we would now offer a few product recommendations that utilizes this underrated fat burner in an efficient manner. Since we’re here to focus solely on the impact raspberry ketones can make in one serving in a blend, we recommend products that rely on raspberry ketones’ synergy. One of these products is called Green Coffee Bean Extract by Bauer Nutrition.

Unlike other blends, this product contains only two ingredients: Raspberry ketones and Green coffee bean extract, (GCBE) a reputable fat burning ingredient. GCBE is present in green or raw coffee. It is also present in roasted coffee, but much of the GCE is destroyed during the roasting process.

GCBE is another trend-survivor that still remains to be included in both low and high priced fat burning formulas. The one thing that made it stay? Careful research and human studies.

“We conclude that chlorogenic acid enriched instant coffee appears to have a significant effect on the absorption and utilization of glucose from the diet. This effect, if the coffee is used for an extended time, may result in reduced body mass and body fat when compared with the use of normal instant coffee.”

Having a blood sugar imbalance triggers hunger so naturally, balancing blood sugar levels will simultaneously help in reducing appetite.

Another product that comes close is Raspberry Ketone also by Bauer Nutrition. It again focuses on two ingredients with the other being African Mango Extract, an ingredient that works mostly as an appetite suppressant.

]]>http://www.ladybirdln.com/raspberry-ketones-review/feed/0A Review of XLS Medical- Does It Really Work?http://www.ladybirdln.com/xls-medical-review/
http://www.ladybirdln.com/xls-medical-review/#respondMon, 20 Feb 2017 17:52:17 +0000http://www.ladybirdln.com/?p=888Obesity is a serious problem affecting billions worldwide. Increased body weight takes away your looks and makes you prone to a multitude of physical, mental, and psychological ailments as well. So you need to address this issue right away! What are your options? One way or another, eating a balanced diet and being involved in […]

]]>Obesity is a serious problem affecting billions worldwide. Increased body weight takes away your looks and makes you prone to a multitude of physical, mental, and psychological ailments as well. So you need to address this issue right away!

What are your options? One way or another, eating a balanced diet and being involved in physical activity are the only long term solutions. But if you are looking for a quick fix, you might consider taking things to the next level with a weight loss supplement.

While the market is flooded with weight loss supplements, finding the one that really helps is a great hustle. One supplement that might help is XLS medical. It is a fat binder manufactured by InQpharm Europe Ltd. The manufacturer claims that you lose weight 3 times faster with XLS medical compared to dieting alone (1).

So what’s the truth? Let’s discuss the nitty-gritty details of XLS medical and see what science says about its effectiveness. Let’s get started!

XLS Medical- A Potent Fat Binder

When it comes to weight loss supplements, they essentially fall in one of the following five categories:

Fat binders

Appetite suppressants

Metabolism boosters

Carbohydrate blockers

Diet plans

As for XLS medical, it is mainly a fat binder and an appetite suppressant too. Here is what XLS medical contains (2):

LitramineTM: LitramineTM is a patented blend of soluble fiber coming from Opuntia ficus-indica, which is species of cacti native to Mexico. LitramineTM is a soluble fiber and represents a blend of mucilage, pectin, hemicellulose, and gum (3).

3 Ways XLS Medical Might Help You Lose Weight

When it comes to XLS medical, the LitramineTM does most of the hard work. Here are some ways XLS medical might help you lose weight.

# 1: LitramineTM Reduces Fat Uptake

Scientists are still working to find out what-exactly- causes weight gain? While we don’t have a clear answer yet but there are several variables at play when it comes to body weight regulation.

Among these factors, your dietary habits seem to be the most important. When it comes to weight gain, two things do the most damage: dietary fat and sugar (4). Fat gets absorbed from your gut quite easily and make way to your fat stores readily. But when it comes to the burning of fat, things get real complicated. You see, our bodies are naturally designed to store fat, not to waste it! That’s why losing fat is so difficult.

One logical way to reduce fat deposition in the body is to decrease its uptake from the gut. That is particularly effective because the western diet is getting abundant in fats. Thanks to the junk and fried food, the daily fat intake in the western-styled diet has increased to 42%-45% of the total caloric intake, which is 10% higher than the recommended daily fat intake (5).

OK, reducing fat uptake is one solution but how to accomplish that? The answer is fiber! Researchers have long known that eating a fiber-rich diet can reduce fat uptake (6). In more recent studies, researchers have found that for every 1 gram of fiber in the diet, the weight reduces by 0.25 kg and fat content in the body reduces by 0.25% (7).

But how does fiber help reduce fat uptake? Your body cannot digest the fiber you eat. So while it is in your gut, it binds with the fat and hinders with its digestion and absorption. As a result, the fat remains undigested and gets excreted out of your body when you poop.

Since LitramineTM is a blend of a variety of fibers, it blocks the absorption of fat. No fat uptake means a decrease in the fat deposition as well. That’s how LitramineTM works!

# 2: LitramineTM May Have Additional Appetite Suppressing Effects

Fiber has appetite suppressing effects as well. When you eat a fiber-rich diet, it swells up in your stomach and signals your brain that now is the time to stop eating. This way, you end eating significantly less.

In addition, fiber influences the levels of appetite-regulating hormones as well. Researchers at the Université de Montréal, Canada found that eating a fiber-rich diet can reduce ghrelin levels by 26%– ghrelin is the major appetite-promoting hormone (8).

Different fibers have variable satiety-promoting effect. The main feature of a fiber that determines its ability to promote satiety is its nature, that is, whether it is soluble or insoluble.

Researchers at the University of Leeds, UK compared the appetite suppressing effect of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. They noted that soluble fiber is superior to insoluble fiber when it comes to appetite suppression (9).

Since LitramineTM is a soluble fiber blend, you can expect a reduction in your appetite following its consumption.

# 3: The Vitamin Profile May Have Additional Benefits

The healthy vitamin profile of XLS medical may provide you with additional weight loss benefits.

Study # 1

The study included 125 overweight or obese men and women that were randomly divided into two groups. One group received a 3 g Litramine based supplement per day while the other received a placebo. The participants were given these supplements for the duration of 12-weeks in addition to a hypocaloric diet.

At the end of 12 weeks, the study participants were assessed for their change in weight. The Litramine group lost up to 6 kg weight compared to the placebo group, which lost up to 4 kg weight. Also, the Litramine group lost significantly more body fat and showed improvement in waist circumference compared to the placebo group.

Study # 2

In this study, the ability of Litramine to bind to the fat in the gut was evaluated. For that, the fecal content of fat was measured (12).

The participants received 2.14 g Litramine or placebo and fecal fat content was measured after 3 days.

Researchers observed around 6-folds increase in the fecal fat content in the Litramine group compared to the placebo in which the fecal fat content did not change significantly.

Study # 3

In another study, a group of 49 participants was inducted. The participants of this study had already lost weight following a successful weight loss plan. So no other changes were made in their routine except the addition of Litramine supplement. The participants were divided into two groups- whether or not they received the supplement.

The Litramine group lost significantly lost more weight upon follow-up and lost more body fat compared to the placebo group (12).

Added Benefits of XLS Medical

The only additional benefit with the use of XLS medical seems to be a reduction in blood sugar levels.

Researchers at the Western Illinois University studied the effects of Litramine on blood sugar levels. After 16 weeks of supplementation of 200 mg Litramine, researchers concluded the following (13):

Litramine causes an acute decline in the blood sugar levels.

It is also suitable for improving the long-term blood sugar levels.

However, there is no change in body parameters like blood cholesterol, blood lipid profile, blood pressure or other parameters with the use of Litramine (12).

Is XLS Medical Safe to Use?

Well, the individual response to any supplement may vary. For some, the supplement might be perfectly safe; while for others, the side effects might be serious.

As per research, the safety profile of the active ingredients of XLS is quite good. The users of Litramine do not experience side effects of any sort following the use of Litramine-based products. You can take up to 3 gram of Litramine for as much as 24 months without significant side effects (14).

However, since XLS medical is a fiber-based supplement, you may experience the side effects commonly associated with increased fiber intake. These side effects may include:

Bloating

Abdominal cramps

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Constipation, especially if you are not drinking enough water with the supplement

Do People Use XLS Medical? What are Their Reviews?

The manufacturers have really put a good deal of thought and research and making this supplement. The supplement is based on research-backed ingredients and it is not a half-cooked good-for-nothing supplement.

The supplement also seems to be quite popular, especially in the European countries. Looking at the review, the users have mixed reviews on different platforms.

On Amazon, XLS medical has 1,612 reviews and has a rating of 2.8/5. Unfortunately for the supplement, most of the people don’t seem to like it. There are more 1-star reviews (557) compared to 5-stars (440) or 4-stars (177). The most common complaint of the customers is that it did not meet their expectations and produced minimal or no results at all.

On the contrary, the picture on Ebay is quite different. On Ebay, it seems to enjoy a much better repute with 88% customers recommending the product.

Final Verdict

Is XLS medical helpful in promoting weight loss? Probably yes.

Should you experience dramatic changes with its use? Definitely not. The results come in quite slow.

Is it worth your money? It is quite expensive when compared to similar supplements in the market.

So is it a yes or a no? Considering the limited benefit versus higher cost and a lot of negative customer reviews, XLS medical is perhaps not as magical as the manufacture’s claim.

]]>http://www.ladybirdln.com/xls-medical-review/feed/0Phen375 Review – Basic Weight Loss Supplement With A Premium Pricetaghttp://www.ladybirdln.com/phen375-review-basic-weight-loss-supplement-premium-pricetag/
http://www.ladybirdln.com/phen375-review-basic-weight-loss-supplement-premium-pricetag/#respondSat, 11 Feb 2017 14:21:36 +0000http://www.ladybirdln.com/?p=885You probably couldn’t walk a mile without coming across someone who wants to shed a few pounds. Being obese or overweight is common specially as many people have turned towards a sedentary lifestyle coupled with a less than desirable diet composed of food laden with ingredients you can barely spell let alone pronounce right. The […]

]]>You probably couldn’t walk a mile without coming across someone who wants to shed a few pounds. Being obese or overweight is common specially as many people have turned towards a sedentary lifestyle coupled with a less than desirable diet composed of food laden with ingredients you can barely spell let alone pronounce right. The U.S. considers obesity as an epidemic and rightfully so. They’re among the top countries that have a rising obese population with more than a third being affected. And while we like to say theirs is an isolated case, the obesity problem has also risen all over the world.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said worldwide obesity has more than doubled in the last thirty years and is currently at a high of 2 billion adults over 18 years of age. Among them, 39% are considered overweight and 13%, or roughly 260 million people, are obese. This means at least 3 of 10 people are overweight and 1 of those 3 is obese and this is an alarming trend we won’t see going away any time soon.

With all the data presented, we can’t just say people who are overweight want or choose to be that way. We can say that among the 2 billion people who are overweight, a good chunk of them must want to lose the weight but struggle at it. And when people struggle, that’s when they turn to weight loss supplements like Phen375, a product that claims to make users lose weight by suppressing their hunger and increasing their body’s ability to burn fat.

The Lowdown on Phen375

In their website, Phen375 claims to be a dietary supplement designed for weight loss and hunger suppression. Based on the name, Phen375 also seems to be designed to mimic a drug called Phentermine. Phentermine is a stimulant similar to an amphetamine. It acts as an appetite suppressant by affecting the central nervous system.

Directions for use: Take one pill a day and it’s recommended that you take it for three months to see the full benefits.

Ingredients

Phen375 made use of a proprietary blend which means we have to guess our way into analyzing the formula. Luckily for you, we actually know how to read labels and make use of the information the website tells us to form an accurate assessment of just how much of one ingredient did they include per serving.

Chromium – It seems to help balance blood sugar and regulate insulin resistance, which may support fat loss by keeping appetite stable and fat storage minimal. A 2008 study states “The exogenous administration of chromium picolinate suppresses food intake, particularly when administered in large doses.” This ingredient works amazingly in small doses so the amount we get here should be more than enough.

L-Carnitine – This is known to funnel fatty acids into cells’ mitochondria which helps optimize thermogenesis and give the user more energy. Thermogenesis is when your body carves the fat from your fat stores and incinerates them to give you energy and the resulting warmth you feel is from the heat it releases. Phen375 says the formula consists of 68% L-Carnitine and that’s roughly 350 mg which means the last five ingredients will fight over 166 mg of space.

Caffeine – Caffeine is the world’s most popular psychoactive drug but on top of being a good buzz-booster, caffeine helps stimulate fat burning by boosting cAMP and norepinephrine, two compounds that signal your body to start shredding fat for energy.

Coleus forskohli – It’s standardized to 10% forskolin, the active compound in the ingredient. This compound increases cAMP for fat burning and also promotes what we call Long-Term Potentiation, a brain activity that helps the user have better memory recall and overall mental performance.

Dendrobium – This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and not really a weight loss ingredient. Many also claim it to be a stimulant but the only study about that is when it was used as part of a preworkout. One of its active compounds, dendrobine, was suggested to be a convulsant which could promote seizures.

Cayenne – You know how cayenne makes your mouth feel hot and make you sweat all over? That’s your body trying to cool you off and the only way to trigger your sweat glands is if your body starts burning fat for heat (aka thermogenesis) and this makes cayenne a natural choice in many weight loss supplements.

Citrus aurantium – Contains 10% synephrine, a compound that works by increasing the thermic effect of food which makes you expend more calories to digest what you eat. It also activates Beta 2 and Beta 3 receptors which trigger the breakdown of triglycerides and Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) and gets your metabolism on overdrive.

Phen375 Formula Analysis

The main theme of Phen375 is simple: Promote thermogenesis and suppress appetite. It’s one of the basic approaches to weight loss and Phen375 has the right kind of ingredients to pull this off. The only problem we see here is dosing.

One serving is just a few milligrams over 500 with the bulk of it going to L-Carnitine which makes sense since L-Carnitine requires a lot of weight if you want it to work well. The rest are left with 166 mg to work with. Phen375 could still pull it off with the possible dosage for Caffeine and Coleus but it will struggle trying to make Cayenne and Citrus aurantium work specially since both require 40-50 mg to get the minimum effect.

As for Dendrobium, we really see no point in adding an anti-inflammatory ingredient in the mix since Phen375 doesn’t seem to market itself as a preworkout specially since the claims all point to reducing the amount of food you eat. Perhaps in the future Phen375 can remove Dendrobium and share the load a bit better for the rest of the ingredients in its formula. Until then, we really can’t see anything special about this product aside from it being a basic weight loss supplement that works but not as much as it should.

We also would like to criticize the amount of other ingredients Phen375 has. Those ingredients act as fillers or straight up added for aesthetic value, two things we don’t need in a weight loss supplement. The fluff literally outnumbers the actual ingredients in the formula and would make any sane customer wonder about what they’re really paying for.

All in all, Phen375 is not a special weight loss supplement. It wants to act like a professional weight loss pill but really, the mismatched dosing is what killed it. It still works and could potentially help you lose weight by way of appetite control but don’t expect it to cut your waistline by 4 inches in one month without you lifting a finger.

Other health benefits of using Phen375

On top of being a decent appetite suppressant, Phen375 could also make you feel more energized throughout the day not just because of caffeine but also due to how it can tweak your hormones to burn more fat for energy. It’s also great at producing heat which should help you keep warm without the need of putting an extra layer of clothing.

What kind of experiences do users have with Phen375?

We scoured the internet for user feedback and found that it does work as advertised particularly on how it can reduce cravings and increase daily energy levels naturally. Of course, this is provided that you also do your part in maintaining a healthy diet and getting some good old fashioned exercise.

Phen375 is by no means a miracle weight loss pill. There’s no such thing as a magic pill for weight loss and while we did find poor reviews on it, those users may or may not have done their share of the work. We would never know but what we do know is by the end of the day, each person responds differently to supplements.

How safe is Phen375?

The most common side effects associated with the ingredients in Phen375 are nausea, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, the jitters, and even insomnia. These side effects are mostly due to the stimulants found in the supplement but we wouldn’t be worried too much about it since the dosages seem to be leaning towards the minimum.

Final thoughts on Phen375

Phen375 is a straight up basic weight loss supplement. It doesn’t have any fancy blends and lacks the presence of premium ingredients such as Capsimax for cayenne. Advantra-Z for synephrine, or any highlystandardized herbals (e.g. Green Tea extract std. to 45% EGCG, Green Coffee Bean extract std. to 50% CGA, Garcinia Cambogia std. to 60% HCA, etc.).

It might help you reduce appetite and boost energy but nothing too extreme. It has potential once it tries to adjust the dosing but until then, the only reason to buy this is if you’re okay with the price which is a bit high for what it gives you, relative to other more potent fat burners such as the highly acclaimed supplements Instant Knockout, EVL LeanMode, and LEGION Phoenix.

]]>http://www.ladybirdln.com/phen375-review-basic-weight-loss-supplement-premium-pricetag/feed/0Glucomannan: A Weight Loss Miracle or Just Hype?http://www.ladybirdln.com/glucomannan-weight-loss-miracle-just-hype/
http://www.ladybirdln.com/glucomannan-weight-loss-miracle-just-hype/#respondSat, 11 Feb 2017 13:38:41 +0000http://www.ladybirdln.com/?p=882With the global obesity scores crossing 2 billion, everyone is looking for a quick fix to lose weight (1). While a lot of supplements and products are advertised to work like magic but the results are often disappointing. One supplement that might help you achieve your weight loss dreams is Glucomannan. Derived from an Asian […]

]]>With the global obesity scores crossing 2 billion, everyone is looking for a quick fix to lose weight (1). While a lot of supplements and products are advertised to work like magic but the results are often disappointing.

One supplement that might help you achieve your weight loss dreams is Glucomannan. Derived from an Asian root, Glucomannan is already making its way to the Western market and now being sold as a weight loss supplement.

So what is glucomannan, does it really help with weight loss, what are the risks of its use? This article will answer all these questions plus will explore the potential of this prebiotic fiber in promoting weight loss and the health as a whole. So let’s get started.

Glucomannan- The Most Viscous Fiber Known

Konjac, or the elephant yam, is a dark purple plant native to the tropical areas of the eastern Asia. It has been a part of the Japanese cuisine for several centuries.

The roots of this plant are dried and the material obtained is called Glucomannan. Chemically, glucomannan is a polysaccharide that is naturally found in the cell walls of the plant cells. It falls into the category of prebiotic fiber that undergoes minimal digestion in the gut. Moreover, it can absorb water 50 times its weight, making it one of the most viscous dietary fibers known (2).

In fact, it is so viscous that if you were to empty one capsule of glucomannan into a glass of water, the whole glass would turn into a thick gel.

Top 6 Ways Glucomannan Might Help You Lose Weight

How does glucomannan kick start the weight loss process? While researchers are still trying to figure the exact mechanism of how glucomannan works but here are the top 7 ways glucomannan might work to help you lose weight.

#1: It has almost zero calories

No matter what you do, the entire weight loss struggle comes down to calories in and calories out. Anything that has low-calories is favorable for weight loss.

When it comes to glucomannan, this prebiotic is extremely low in calories. A single tsp. of glucomannan powder has 10 calories in it (3). But the good thing about these calories is that all of them come from a non-digestible dietary fiber. In other words, your body is not able to absorb these calories.

#2: It fills you up real quick

One effective weight loss strategy is appetite control. Anything that could curb your appetite would help you lose weight too. Same is true for glucomannan as well.

When you eat glucomannan, it swells up on reaching your stomach and the intestines. This gives you a feeling of fullness and you do not feel like eating.

#3: Suppresses ghrelin levels

Another aspect of the appetite controlling properties of glucomannan is its effect on the hunger hormones.

Your hunger is under the influence of two main hormones: leptin and ghrelin. Leptin induces a feeling of fullness, reduces food intake, and promotes weight loss. Ghrelin, on the other hand, is a hormone that plays a key role in key meal initiation (4). So when you are hungry, your ghrelin levels go through the roof and you can’t stop eating.

Researchers at the Mahidol University, Bangkok discovered some amazing effects of glucomannan on ghrelin levels. They discovered that glucomannan reduced ghrelin levels both in acute and long-term settings.

When given with meals, a 1-g capsule of glucomannan reduced serum ghrelin levels to 30% lower than the baseline levels within 2 hours. Moreover, the basal levels of ghrelin reduced significantly when measured 4-weeks following supplement intake (5).

#4: Slows stomach emptying

Your gut is the main site where the nutrition from your food gets absorbed. The sooner the food leaves your stomach and reaches the intestine, the sooner its nutrients get absorbed.

In one research, scientists studied the effects of fiber supplementation on the gastric emptying time. Interestingly, it took the food 186 minutes to reach the intestine when no fiber was added. It was in comparison to 232 minutes when fiber was added to the meals (6).

Same principle applies for glucomannan too. Since it is a highly viscous, non-fermentable fiber, it slows down the rate of transition of food from your stomach to the intestine. This makes the food stay in your stomach, which makes you feel full for longer periods.

#5: Decreases carbohydrate, fat, and cholesterol uptake

When you eat some food, the sugar from that food gets absorbed from your gut and makes way to your system. That’s when insulin springs into action to lower the levels of this sugar. One of the several ways insulin deals with excessively high levels of blood sugar is by shunting the body sugar into fat storage.

Other nutrients from food that increase the risk of fat deposition and weight gain are fats and cholesterol.

Research shows that viscous fibers decrease the rate of absorption of nutrients, including sugar, fats, and cholesterol, from the gut (7). Limited absorption of these nutrients means only a small percentage of these nutrients making way to the fat storage.

#6: Promotes the growth of gut-friendly bacteria

While the actual research on this property of glucomannan is limited but theoretically this is a way glucomannan could help you lose weight.

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, which are termed as the probiotic or ‘good bacteria’. Fibers, like glucomannan, serve as a fuel for these probiotic bacteria. In other words, the probiotic bacteria thrive in the presence of these prebiotic fibers.

Recent research has highlighted the potential of probiotic bacteria in promoting weight loss. Results of a European research have shown that certain groups of probiotic bacteria, like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, can reduce the fat deposition and enhance fat oxidation; thereby, promoting weight loss (8)

Is There Real-Life Scientific Research That Could Support All These Claims?

The potential of glucomannan sounds promising, at least on the paper. But is there actual scientific evidence that glucomannan speeds up weight loss?

Well, there are several problems when it comes to the glucomannan research.

Most of the research done is not of good quality.

The potential of glucomannan in promoting weight loss has not been studied in large studies.

The studies available so far are mixed and not enough to draw conclusive results.

But still, here are some studies that study the potential of glucomannan in helping with weight management.

Study # 1

This research was conducted at the University of Tromsø, Norway. The purpose of this study was to compare three fiber supplements for their effects on weight reduction (9).

The participants were divided into three groups based on the type of fiber supplement they ate: glucomannan, glucomannan plus guar gum, and glucomannan plus guar gum and alginate. In addition, all three groups were given a low calorie (a 1200-calorie) diet.

At the end of 5 weeks, all groups lost weight but none of the fiber types proved to be superior in its weight reduction potential. All the groups lost weight at a rate of 0.8 kg/week.

Study # 2

The participants of the study were randomly divided into two groups: they either received a 1.33-gram glucomannan supplement or a placebo. At the end of 5 weeks, the changes in body weight were noted.

Unfortunately, the two groups did not differ much in their body weight after 5 weeks.

Study # 3

This study is basically a meta-analysis that sums up 13 other studies based on the health benefits of glucomannan (11).

The results of this meta-analysis show that the users of glucomannan can expect up to 0.80 kg reduction in weight with its use.

Study # 4

This study was based on 20 obese participants. The participants were given a 1-gram glucomannan supplement pill or placebo 1 hour before their meals (12). They were asked not to change other dietary patterns.

At the end of 8 weeks, the glucomannan group lost 5.5 lbs. weight compared to the placebo group in which the weight loss was not significant.

Is it Meant for Weight Loss Only?

In addition to weight, you could expect following benefits with the use of glucomannan (as indicated by research):

Constipation: Being a non-digestible fiber, glucomannan could help you with constipation (13).

Blood sugar: There has been some preliminary evidence that the use of glucomannan might be helpful in reducing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics (14). It can cause up to 8 mg/dl reduction in fasting blood glucose (11).

Lipid Profile: You could expect following changes in your lipid profile following the use of glucomannan (11):

Total cholesterol reduced by 19.3 mg/dl (0.5 mmol/L)

LDL cholesterol reduced by 19.99 mg/dl (0.4 mmol/L)

Triglycerides reduced by 11 mg/dl (0.12 mmol/L)

Beware of These Side Effects While Using Glucomannan!

Although glucomannan is generally considered safe to use, but you should be vigilant with its use and should keep in mind the following risks/side effects:

Risk of choking: Glucomannan swells up when it comes into contact with water. It is supposed to happen when it reaches your stomach. But if that happens in your throat, it could lead to serious choking.

You should immediately drink 1-2 glasses of water to wash it down. However, you should rush to your healthcare provider if the condition does not improve on its own.

Gastrointestinal upset: These side effects of glucomannan are mainly due to its prebiotic properties. You may experience following side effects:

A feeling of bloating

A feeling of fullness

Excessive flatulence

Stomach upset

Abdominal cramps

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Drug interactions: Observe caution while using glucomannan with sulfonylurea or anti-diabetic drugs.

The Final Verdict

Is glucomannan effective in promoting weight loss? Probably yes.

Can you expect wonders with its use? Probably no. Although the preliminary results are promising but none of the available studies has reported a significant reduction in weight with the use of glucomannan.

The bottom line is that it is quite unlikely that glucomannan would be of huge benefit if taken alone. However, when combined with a well-balanced diet and active lifestyle, it may be helpful in accelerating weight loss.

]]>http://www.ladybirdln.com/glucomannan-weight-loss-miracle-just-hype/feed/0Review of Eat Stop Eat by Brad Pilonhttp://www.ladybirdln.com/review-eat-stop-eat-brad-pilon/
http://www.ladybirdln.com/review-eat-stop-eat-brad-pilon/#commentsMon, 18 Jul 2016 10:14:35 +0000http://www.ladybirdln.com/?p=593Eat Stop Eat is a program created by nutritionist Brad Pilon that advocates intermittent fasting as a way to lose weight. As the title of the book suggests, this is a system that recommends that you alternate between eating normally and fasting. This is a controversial system, as Pilon freely admits. However, as the author […]

]]>Eat Stop Eat is a program created by nutritionist Brad Pilon that advocates intermittent fasting as a way to lose weight. As the title of the book suggests, this is a system that recommends that you alternate between eating normally and fasting. This is a controversial system, as Pilon freely admits. However, as the author boasts in the introduction, it is not nearly as radical as it was when the first edition of the book came out.

The new version of Eat Stop Eat is longer and updated, consisting of more than 200 pages. While it’s true that fasting is no longer as controversial as it was 20 years ago, it’s still far from universally accepted by scientists, nutritionists and the medical community. Pilon, however, makes the very bold statement that “Prolonged caloric restriction is the only proven nutritional method of weight loss.”

The point of this review is to thoroughly examine Eat Stop Eat and decide if Pilon proves his case. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of this system and whether it’s appropriate for everyone who wants to lose weight.

The Basic Principles of Eat Stop Eat

Eat Stop Eat is more than simply another book about fasting. Most fasts are for detoxification and do not claim to be useful for long term weight loss. In fact, many weight loss experts will tell you that fasting can be dangerous, with potential side effects. There is also the danger that you will binge eat when the fast is over, causing you to gain back any weight you lost. Pilon addresses these objections and puts forth what he claims is the perfect formula for fasting to lose weight.

One of the points that Pilon makes is that fasting is part of our history. Due to food shortages, droughts, severe weather and unstable political conditions, humans have traditionally been forced to go through fasting periods whether they wanted to or not. According to Pilon this was more than an inconvenience -it was actually natural and beneficial to the human body. He provides a detailed explanation of how are two natural states are “fasting and fed” and that, for optimal balance, we should be alternating between the two. According to him, the luxury of constantly being in the “fed” state, which is the way most people in modern Western societies live, is actually a major cause of why so many people are now overweight.

Pilon goes on to claim that fasting is even compatible with vigorous exercise such as aerobic activity and weight lifting. He cites his own experience with weightlifting and bodybuilding, explaining how fasting actually helped him increase muscle mass. The book critiques many of what Pilon calls the misconceptions of fasting, such as the notion that it’s bad for your blood sugar. According to this book, diets such as the Zone Diet and South Beach Diet, which advocate eating multiple small meals each day, misunderstand what causes insulin levels to drop. Pilon claims that 24 hour fasts are far more effective for reducing insulin than any popular diet.

While there isn’t room in this review to examine all of the claims in Eat Stop Eat, it should be noted that many nutritionists and researchers have recently discussed the health benefits of fasting.

Is There a Downside to Fasting?

Because Eat Stop Eat is such an enthusiastic pro-fasting book, it’s important to look at both sides of this issue. At the beginning of the book, Pilon cautions that everyone should consult with a physician before fasting. He also specifies that fasting is for “healthy adult individuals.”

First of all, there are certain types of people who should definitely not fast. This includes pregnant women, diabetics, people taking certain medications and anyone suffering from a long term, debilitating disease. Even in healthy individuals, fasting may cause certain side effects, such as fatigue, extreme hunger, halitosis, dizziness and others.

Another potential downside to fasting is that, in some people, it may contribute to binge eating. In Eat Stop Eat, Brad Pilon does not give much specific nutritional advice. He is mainly interested in promoting his philosophy of intermittent fasting. In fact, one of the benefits of the system is that you don’t have to worry too much about what you eat, since you’ll be fasting once or twice per week. He does recommend eating a healthy diet, but he’s not very strict or specific in this area.

This is all very good in theory, but we can’t ignore the fact that many people with weight problems struggle with cravings for certain foods, often unhealthy and fattening ones. Since one of the biggest selling points of Eat Stop Eat is that you don’t have to feel very restricted when you’re in the “fed” rather than “fasting” stage, you are pretty much on your own when it comes to choosing your food and meals.

Pilon talks about the history of humanity, giving examples of how in societies that depended on hunters or the cycle of crops that fasting was natural. That’s true, but today we are surrounded by all kinds of unhealthy and processed foods all year round. This could pose a real challenge when someone is coming off a 24 hour fast. While Pilon is certainly not advocating that you binge at McDonald’s or on a gallon of ice cream after completing a fast, such temptations are certainly present. Whatever the limitations of diets that advocate eating small, sensible meals, they pose less of a danger in this regard.

To be fair, Pilon does address the above issue. In his experience, and according to certain research he cites, fasting does not lead to rebounding or excessive eating after the fast. This, however, may depend on many factors, such as the specific conditions of the study and the health and psychological makeup of the people involved. People often behave differently when observed in studies than they do in “real life.”

Eat Stop Eat: The Verdict

Eat Stop Eat contains lots of interesting and valuable information on a system of eating that is a radical alternative to what you will read in most diet books. There is actually quite a bit of research backing the idea that fasting can be beneficial to your health. While this may not be the ideal weight loss program for everybody, a healthy person who has the self-discipline to follow through on the plan is likely to see good results. Let’s look at some of the major pros and cons of this system.

Pros

The book backs its claims with extensive research.

Fasting has a long history as a way to improve health.

During the periods when you are not fasting, you can eat just about anything you want.

The program comes with a 60 day money back guarantee.

Now let’s look at the drawbacks of this system.

Cons

Fasting is not safe for everybody and has certain side effects.

The book contains very little nutritional advice. Aside from the fasting/eating system, you are on your own when it comes to what to eat.

Fasting consistently requires a great deal of self-discipline, probably more than the average diet.

Note that the lack of dietary advice can be seen as either a pro or a con. It’s appealing not to be restricted in any way. On the other hand, this lack of guidance can make it tempting to rely on junk or comfort foods in between fasts.

In conclusion, I tried to present an objective view of the updated version of Eat Stop Eat. I think that Brad Pilon is sincere and is doing his best to share what he believes is the healthiest way to eat. As mentioned, however, a system that is based entirely on fasting has both its advantages as its drawbacks. It’s up to you to decide if you think this may be the right diet solution for you. If it is then you are most definitely in good hands with Brad Pilon his Eat Stop Eat method!

]]>http://www.ladybirdln.com/review-eat-stop-eat-brad-pilon/feed/1Omega Body Blueprinthttp://www.ladybirdln.com/omega-body-blueprint/
http://www.ladybirdln.com/omega-body-blueprint/#respondSat, 30 Apr 2016 19:18:13 +0000http://www.ladybirdln.com/?p=867Are you frustrated at how hard it is to lose those last few pounds after working so hard at diet or exercise? The Omega Body Blueprint, a fat burning system created by well known fitness trainer and bestselling author John Romaniello, addresses this very issue. It’s a comprehensive program that includes nutritional information, with a […]

]]>Are you frustrated at how hard it is to lose those last few pounds after working so hard at diet or exercise? The Omega Body Blueprint, a fat burning system created by well known fitness trainer and bestselling author John Romaniello, addresses this very issue. It’s a comprehensive program that includes nutritional information, with a special emphasis on the role of hormones and a workout guide that tells you exactly how to achieve maximum results in the least amount of time.

The program consists of a a 96 page e-book explaining the theory and practice of the system as well as several additional items to make it easier to implement the system. While there are many diet books and exercise programs on the market, this one was created to fill a very specific void, one that addresses the all too common issue among people who diet and work out to lose weight. If your’e like many people, you see some fast results when you begin a new program. After this encouraging start, however, you find that you can’t quite reach your goals. It’s then easy to become discouraged and give up. John Romaniello’s system was designed to help you break this cycle.

I study, test and review many different nutritional, fitness and diet programs. When writing reviews, I’m always careful to make sure that programs are based on actual science and research and that there is solid evidence to back up any claims.

The Purpose of Omega Body Blueprint

The word “omega” refers to the final letter of the Greek alphabet. John Romaniello used the name here to get across the main objective of the program -to give people the tools they need to reach the “finish line” when it comes to losing weight and improving their fitness. While almost any program can give you some early results, Omega Body Blueprint is one of the few programs that helps you reach your final goals.

John Romaniello, who has written bestselling books and trained thousands of people around the world, has identified three main problems that make it difficult for people to lose those last few pounds. He calls these problems “Workout Confusion,” “Nutritional Lies” and “Dysfunctional Hormones.” In response to these problems, he offers three solutions, all of which are thoroughly explained in the Omega Body Blueprint e-book. These solutions are Omega M.R.T., Omega Nutrition and Omega Hormone Optimization.

When you understand these three principles and put Romaniello’s advice into practice, you will not only find it easier to lose those last five pounds, but you will find that all of your fitness and diet goals suddenly become attainable. This is when you can have what Romaniello calls the Omega Body. Fortunately, the steps to achieving this are not as difficult or time-consuming as you might think.

Romaniello points out that typical cardio workouts are of very limited benefit when it comes to fat burning. Even if you spend endless hours on a treadmill or exercise bike week after week, you will probably never lose the belly fat, love handles or other unwanted poundage. The solution to this is Omega M.R.T., which stands for metabolic resistance training. This differs from typical metabolic resistance training and is one of the core principles of Omega Body Blueprint. When you follow the exercises shared in this program, you’ll be able to get more accomplished in less time.

When it comes to nutrition, Romaniello exposes many nutritional myths, such as the idea that eating lots of small meals during the day will help you to lose weight or that you must avoid any foods that are processed or non-organic. His Omega Nutrition recommendations offer some solid techniques that actually work. These include intermittent fasting and cycling, where you vary your diet based on levels of activity.

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of the program is the section on hormones, an aspect of dieting and fitness that is often overlooked. Romaniello explains, for example, how having higher levels of the master hormone leptin in your body helps you to lose weigh. Omega Hormone Optimization, the third essential pillar of the system, gives you precise strategies to optimize your hormone balance. Hormones such as leptin also work hand-in-hand with insulin, another critical hormone. As Romaniello explains, many people are insulin resistant, making it extra challenging to lose weight. He gives specific advice on how to eat and work out in a way to overcome insulin resistance.

The Omega Body Blueprint is based on some legitimate scientific research. There is evidence, for example, that hormones can play a major role when it comes to weight gain, weight loss and keeping weight off after dieting. John Romaniello’s system is also one that is safe and free of the side effects that may accompany other approaches, such as diet pills, drugs or starvation diets.

Omega Body Blueprint: Pros and Cons

No diet or fitness system is ideal for everyone. While The Omega Body Blueprint has some genuine strong points, to take a balanced view we should look at both the pros and the cons.

Pros

A comprehensive system that includes information on nutrition, exercise and hormones. Systems that only look at one or two of these factors are bound to be incomplete.

An innovative approach to solving a stubborn and common problem -losing the last few pounds on a diet.

Provides long term benefits. Even after you lose the desired weight, you can apply the strategies to help you maintain your ideal weight and to enjoy better health and fitness.

Efficient -John Romaniello emphasizes solutions that work quickly so you don’t have to spend countless hours in the gym. In fact, his workout routines are shorter than many that are far less effective.

Cons

Not meant for people who are seriously overweight or out of shape. This system is primarily intended to help people who have already seen some results, so it’s not for everyone.

Requires an open mind. Since Romaniello presents an innovative approach to diet and exercise, you have to be willing to try something new and to perhaps abandon some long term habits.

You need a certain amount of motivation and discipline to succeed with this program. While the program is not difficult to put into practice, it does require you to read it all the way through and carry out the steps on your own. This is one aspect of self-help programs that actually prevents people who lack self-discipline from getting results.

What’s Included

In addition to the Omega Body e-book, you get several helpful supplements. These are:

Omega Body Blueprint Nutritional Calculator -Makes it easy to know exactly what you should eat and when. This is customizable based on your own schedule and preferences.

The Omega Body Blueprint Nutritional Manual -A summary of all the most vital facts about nutrition, fat loss and hormones.

The Omega Body Blueprint Supplement Guide -A guide to which supplements are helpful and which you’re better off avoiding.

The Omega Body Blueprint Quick Start Checklist -A checklist to ensure that you are following the program correctly.

Who Can Benefit From Omega Body Blueprint

Even the best diet, workout and nutrition programs are not for everyone and Omega Body Blueprint is no exception. As noted, it’s mainly aimed at people who have already lost some weight but are having trouble losing those last few pounds. At the same time, it also provides some solid nutritional and workout information that can help you maintain your results over the long run.

If you are serious about achieving your weight loss goals and you are self-motivated and ready to take action, Omega Body Blueprint can be the solution you’ve been seeking. Between the Omega Body PDF and the supplemental guides, you will have thorough information to guide you through the process. John Romaniello takes the mystery and confusion out of many complex principles such as nutrition and the role of hormones.

Improving fitness, losing weight -especially those last few pounds- and keeping it off are not easy for most people. In fact, there is mounting evidence that losing weight is harder today than ever before. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the availability of junk foods, a more sedentary lifestyle and perhaps increased stress. Whatever the reasons, many people find that it takes more than simply going to the gym or trying out the latest fad diet. John Romaniello offers people in this predicament a viable alternative.

The Omega Body Blueprint is also a good value, considering the wealth of information it provides. You could easily pay more for a single session with a personal trainer. And, as Romaniello makes clear, personal trainers often give people misleading information when it comes to fitness and weight loss. The product is also sold with a 30-day money back guarantee. Since you can download it instantly, that gives you a full month to decide if it’s worth it. If you are one of the many people who are frustrated by the difficulty of reaching your ideal weight, the Omega Body Blueprint can help you finally achieve the results that you’ve been seeking.

]]>http://www.ladybirdln.com/omega-body-blueprint/feed/0Spartagen XT Reviewhttp://www.ladybirdln.com/spartagen-xt-review/
http://www.ladybirdln.com/spartagen-xt-review/#respondFri, 22 Jan 2016 12:10:09 +0000http://www.ladybirdln.com/?p=799Do you ever wish you could have the same strength, libido and stamina that you had when you were in your teens or twenties? While it may not be possible to literally turn back the clock on aging, men can see significant improvements in these areas by boosting testosterone levels. Spartagen XT is a supplement […]

Do you ever wish you could have the same strength, libido and stamina that you had when you were in your teens or twenties? While it may not be possible to literally turn back the clock on aging, men can see significant improvements in these areas by boosting testosterone levels. Spartagen XT is a supplement that is designed to safely and naturally increase testosterone levels, which decline as you get older.

There are many products on the market that claim to increase your libido or make you look and feel younger. Some of these are dangerous and even illegal. The side effects of steroids, for example, have been well publicized. Spartagen XT is not a steroid or drug, but an all natural herbal product that stimulates the production of testosterone in the body. This is not the same as taking testosterone directly, which can be dangerous. It is designed for healthy men over the age of 25 who want to increase drive and libido. It can also be useful for increasing muscle mass and physical endurance.

If you want to make positive changes in your life, it’s important to choose the right tools. Spartagen XT reviews can help you understand the pros and cons of this product. When reviewing health supplements, I’m always careful to consider factors such as scientific evidence, safety and the actual results people have gotten from the product. This review will take a close look at this product’s benefits as well as any Spartagen XT side effects.

What is Spartagen XT?

Spartagen XT is made by EdgeBioactives, a company that specializes in creating effective, organic and natural supplements made from legal and well tested ingredients. Some of the benefits of taking this supplement include:

Increases sex drive

Boosts free testosterone

Improves stamina

In order to see how Sparagen XT can help in these areas, it’s essential to understand the effects of testosterone in the body. Testosterone is one of the most important male hormones. Women also have it, though it much lower quantities. This hormone supports many essential functions, including libido, the building of muscle and even the health of the skin and hair. Testosterone levels peak in your teens and then level off. In most men, testosterone begins to decline sometime around the late twenties or early thirties. The effects of this are often subtle and you probably don’t notice them right away. As you get older, however, you may gradually notice several changes, all of them undesirable.

Decreased sex drive.

Diminished stamina and endurance.

Harder to build and maintain muscle mass.

Increased body fat.

Hair loss or thinning of hair.

It’s important to realize that testosterone is only one factor in these changes. Hair loss, for example, can have many causes. Loss of sex drive, endurance and muscle mass can also be symptomatic of certain illnesses. That’s why it’s important to get regular medical checkups. Yet decreasing testosterone levels can cause these symptoms in otherwise healthy men. This becomes increasingly common as you get past the age of 30.

Support the maintenance of testosterone levels

You can support the maintenance of testosterone levels by living a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest and exercising regularly. Even these actions, however, may not be enough to reverse the effects of low testosterone levels. For this you may need additional help. Spartagen XT is a supplement that naturally boosts free testosterone in the body. Some of the ingredients Spartagen XT contains include:

Asian Ginseng -This herb has been used for many centuries in China and other parts of Asia to promote energy, increased libido, longevity and the healing of many illnesses.

Maca -Maca is a South American herb that was used traditionally for energy, athletic prowess and balancing hormones in both men and women.

Chrysin -Supports muscle growth by preventing testosterone from being converted into estrogen, a problem that sometimes occur as men get older.

Tribulus -A plant that grows in many parts of the world, tribulus is used in herbal medicine to treat conditions such as erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure and to support healthy circulation.

Tongkat Ali -Also known as Malaysian ginseng, this herbal root is an aphrodisiac that supports testosterone production and muscle growth.

Each of these herbs and vitamins has a wide range of benefits and supports healthy testosterone production. Using the proprietary blend found in Spartagen XT, however, they are even more powerful.

How to increase your testosterone levels?

Men who want to increase their testosterone levels have several choices. You may, for example, consider testosterone replacement therapy. This is a medical procedure that can only be performed by a physician. In addition to being extremely costly, there can be quite a few side effects of testosterone replacement therapy. These include testicle shrinkage, sleep apnea, acne and other skin problems and enlarged prostate. Furthermore, even though this is a legal medical procedure, there is no scientific evidence that testosterone replacement therapy actually helps men who are healthy.

Some men, including many athletes, use anabolic steroids to improve athletic performance. In addition to being illegal without a medical prescription, these substances also have a wide range of negative side effects, including heart problems, impotence and testicle shrinkage. In fact, if you are concerned about libido and sexual performance, taking steroids is almost certainly counter-productive.

Spartagen XT, on the other hand, is natural supplement that boosts testosterone levels in the body naturally. While there are other products on the market that make similar claims, it’s hard to find one that contains the same range of effective ingredients found in Spartagen XT. Furthermore, many competitors’ products contain questionable ingredients, such as animal products. Another thing to consider is who makes your supplements and where they are made. You can find many cheap supplements that are imported from various parts of the world. In these cases, you’re never sure about the purity of the products or even what ingredients might be included. EdgeBioactives produces its products in an FDA approved lab in the U.S. They test each batch for purity.

Are there side effects?

Despite the many benefits of Spartagen XT, no product is appropriate for everyone. Spargagen XT side effects are not common. EdgeBioactives, however, does list list several precautions regarding Spartagen XT. I should not be taken by women who are pregnant or nursing. Since the product is designed primarily for men, this will not be a concern for most potential customers. You should also consult with your physician if you have a current medical condition, such as heart, liver, kidney or prostate problems.

Similarly, if you taking any type of medication you should ask your doctor if it’s safe to take Spartagen XT. Even natural herbs may have side effects when mixed with certain drugs. It’s not recommended for men under the age of 25. Younger men should not have a problem with diminished testosterone; if they do, they should see a doctor to find out why.

Because Spartagen XT contains a mixture of highly potent herbs, it should only be used as recommended. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, which is 2 capsules. Each serving provides 900 milligrams of active ingredients, so there’s no need to overdo it. When used as directed, Spartagen XT is safe for healthy adults. Spartagen XT contains no animal products, wheat, gluten, yeast, peanuts or other common allergens.

Spartagen XT Pros and Cons

Let’s look at some of the major pros and cons of this supplement.

Pros

Natural testosterone booster that is safe for healthy men.

Contains no testosterone or synthetic hormones.

Supports stronger sex drive, improved endurance and muscle growth.

Manufactured in FDA approved USA laboratory.

Cheaper and safer than medical solutions such as testosterone replacement therapy.

In addition to these major benefits, you may also notice increased overall vitality and even healthier hair and nails, as these are all related to testosterone.

Cons

Must be taken consistently. This isn’t a magic pill that permanently transforms you. To maintain results, you have to take it regularly. While the product is reasonably priced, it does entail a certain expense.

Only available online. You can’t walk into your local pharmacy or health food store and buy it.

To get results you must maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How Spartagen XT Can Help You

Spartagen XT is a solid and effective supplement that naturally supports testosterone production. It should not, however, be seen as a magic potion that will immediately turn your life around. Even the best supplements only work if you use them correctly and if you support them by making appropriate lifestyle changes. For example, Spartagen XT can help you maintain your healthy body weight and gain muscle mass, but only if you eat sensibly and exercise regularly.

Similarly, you need to get enough sleep, which is another crucial factor when it comes to testosterone. When you rest, the body replenishes itself in many important ways, including the production of testosterone. Still another crucial factor is emotional health. Stress in particular is detrimental to testosterone levels. Thus, if you really want to see impressive results from Spartagen XT, you have to take it regularly while paying attention to your daily habits.

If you are noticing that you aren’t as vigorous as you once were, you have several choices. You can take the fatalistic approach and just accept that with aging comes decline. Given the quickly advancing fields of medicine, fitness and nutrition, however, there’s no need for such an attitude. You’ve probably seen many accounts of middle aged and even much older men who run marathons, lift heavy weights and have satisfying sex lives. This is, no doubt, due in part to heredity. With the right approach, however, you can now take control over your own body and enjoy an energetic lifestyle well into the future.

This product provides a less expensive, safer and more effective alternative to costly and potentially dangerous drugs and medical procedures. Spartagen XT is a product worth trying if you’re a man who wants to regain the vitality of your youth. It can also be helpful if you’re in your 30s and want to avoid the symptoms of diminishing testosterone levels that usually occur around this time. If you use the supplement as directed and accompany it with a healthy lifestyle, it can provide you with many benefits.

You can only purchase this supplement online from EdgeBioactives, a reputable company with many satisfied customers. They offer a money back guarantee for every bottle of the product that you purchase. You can return the empty bottle for a full refund if you’re not satisfied for any reason.

]]>http://www.ladybirdln.com/spartagen-xt-review/feed/05 Tips for a Healthier Lifestylehttp://www.ladybirdln.com/5-tips-healthier-lifestyle/
http://www.ladybirdln.com/5-tips-healthier-lifestyle/#respondSun, 25 Oct 2015 10:28:16 +0000http://www.ladybirdln.com/?p=662Embracing a healthier lifestyle will allow you to access more vitality and well-being every single day. When you follow our 5 tips for a healthier lifestyle, you’ll be able to feel better fast and the positive benefits will just keep on coming. Each tip on our list is very easy to follow, so you’ll find […]

]]>Embracing a healthier lifestyle will allow you to access more vitality and well-being every single day. When you follow our 5 tips for a healthier lifestyle, you’ll be able to feel better fast and the positive benefits will just keep on coming.

Each tip on our list is very easy to follow, so you’ll find that making lifestyle changes is really simple. We’ve compiled trusted tips which offer plenty of advantages, without being expensive or difficult to undertake.

Our goal is to support your desire for better health. Now, without further ado, let’s look at our 5 tips for a healthier lifestyle…

#1 Drink More Pure Water

Fatigue via dehydration is rampant. In fact, when it comes to women, lack of fluids is the number-one reason for fatigue. However, this type of tiredness does affect both genders. Dehydration may happen due to overconsumption of caffeinated beverages, too much physical exertion, etc.

Everyone should drink at least six to eight glasses of water every day. Each glass should be at least eight ounces in size. If you get bored with plain water, mix it up with other fluids. However, pure water is the best choice for hydration as it doesn’t have calories, additives or sugar.

#2 Eat a Cleaner Diet

Getting the junk food out of your diet will help your body to run more efficiently. Junk food clogs the bowel, so it’s important to understand the importance of good nutrition via a clean diet. Avoiding processed foods and fatty meats will help a lot.

Stick to lean protein sources, fresh fruit and vegetables in order to fuel your body in a healthy way. Occasional treats are fine – just make certain that they aren’t an “all the time” thing.

#3 Take a Multivitamin Daily

Sometimes, our daily diet may not provide all of the vitamins and minerals that we need. This is why so many health-conscious people take multivitamins. When you choose a multivitamin formula with a strong and positive reputation, you’ll be able to correct any vitamin deficiencies and mineral deficiencies.

These deficiencies may cause adverse symptoms, from fatigue to skin problems and beyond, so the right supplementation may have the power to make you feel a lot healthier.

#4 Meditate

Stress is very bad for health. For this reason, we recommend that you find practical methods of managing stress and keeping your mind and spirit calm. Meditation is easy to learn and it has the power to calm the mind in just a few moments. You’ll find plenty of information on how to meditate via the World Wide Web.

#5 Get Regular Exercise

The last piece of the puzzle is adding regular exercise to your lifestyle. There are many different forms of exercise, such as Yoga, Pilates, aerobics, tennis and swimming. Your goal should be to find something that you truly enjoy doing. If you’re not sporty, start with a brisk, thirty-minute walk each day. Exercise elevates mood and keeps the body in peak condition. It may also help you to lose any unwanted pounds.

]]>http://www.ladybirdln.com/5-tips-healthier-lifestyle/feed/0The Half Day Diet by Nate Miyaki – Reviewhttp://www.ladybirdln.com/day-diet-nate-miyaki-review/
http://www.ladybirdln.com/day-diet-nate-miyaki-review/#respondSat, 03 Oct 2015 11:12:53 +0000http://www.ladybirdln.com/?p=658If you found a way to lose the weight you’ve been trying to lose by only dieting for half of the day, would you want to try it? That’s exactly what the Half Day Diet promises. Personal trainer and nutritionist Nate Miyaki has come up with this diet based on years of research. He found […]

]]>If you found a way to lose the weight you’ve been trying to lose by only dieting for half of the day, would you want to try it? That’s exactly what the Half Day Diet promises. Personal trainer and nutritionist Nate Miyaki has come up with this diet based on years of research. He found that typical low carb diets, while producing short term results are simply too difficult for most people to stick with. That’s why the majority of dieters “yo yo” between losing weight and gaining it back. The Half Day Diet proposes a unique solution to this dilemma, providing all of the benefits of low carb and paleo diets without the usual pitfalls.

There are thousands of diet books and systems on the market. Is the Half Day Diet Plan really as groundbreaking as Miyaki claims? In this Half Day Diet review, we’ll be taking a close look at the evidence to help you decide if this diet lives up to the hype. I see lots of different diet and fitness programs and am careful to look closely at the evidence when reviewing them. Fortunately, the Half Day Diet has been around for a while, so there is indeed some reliable evidence for its effectiveness.

The Basic Premise of the Half Day Diet

Almost all modern diets are some variation on low carb diets. Research shows that consuming fewer carbohydrates not only contributes to weight loss, but also higher energy levels, more stable blood sugar and reduced inflammation and risks for certain diseases. Diets such as Atkins, South Beach, Paleo and hundreds of others, despite their many differences, all recommend eating more protein and vegetables while reducing your intake of carbs.

There is, however, a serious problem with traditional low carb diets. Not only do people crave carbs, whether in the form of bread, pasta or sweets, but these foods provide us with energy. That’s why most people who go on low carb diets often experience troubling symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, difficulty concentrating and, of course, hunger pangs. These diets are especially difficult to maintain for people who are very active. Nate Miyaki, for example, tried the Paleo Diet and found that it helped him in many ways. However, he also found that it was incompatible with his workout regimen. He found the same was true for many clients he worked with.

In short, low carb diets have benefits but are difficult to sustain. They also can slow down your metabolism, making it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle. This is why most people end up abandoning these diets or at least cheating on them. When this happens, you will start to gain back the weight you lost and feel like you failed. So you go back to eating the way you did before until you find another trendy low carb diet, creating a vicious cycle.

Nate Miyaki, who has spent years researching and personally trying out many types of diets, was looking for a way to enjoy the benefits of low carb diets while not suffering the negative consequences that accompany these diets. He then discovered a key piece of research that showed that consuming carbohydrates later in the day is actually good for you. This is a revolutionary finding, one that contradicts what most people believe. Miyaki incorporated this research with everything he already knew about dieting and came up with the Half Day Diet, a system that allows people to lose weight and feel their best while still eating in a way that energizes and satisfies them.

What You Get With the Half Day Diet

The premise that eating more at night can be beneficial is only one aspect of the Half Day Diet PDF, which is a 200 page book packed with nutritional information, food recommendations and advice for both active and inactive people. Miyaki also describes his own experiences in detail, not to boast, but to reveal the evolution of his thinking on these topics and how he personally benefited from what he learned. There are also revelations from his very beautiful and fit wife, Kalai Diamond.

Miyaki is a strong proponent of a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and eating as many natural foods as possible. He suggests avoiding processed foods and sticking to natural plants and animals. In his food recommendations, he incorporates much of what he learned from the Paleo Diet, discussing the benefits of the hunter-gatherer or caveman way of eating. The book contains an impressive amount of research. There are more than 10 pages packed with references to articles and studies, so scientific minded readers can do their own research to valid the book’s claims.

Bonuses

The Half Day Diet comes with several bonuses to supplement the main book.

Holiday Fat Loss Manual -Helps you through holidays and special events where it’s almost impossible to avoid overeating.

Restaurant & Fast Food Survival Guide -Shows you how to dine out, even at fast food restaurants, and still adhere to your healthy diet.

The Happy Hour Handbook -Reveals what to eat before you consume alcohol, the best time to indulge and a secret hangover cure.

Flat Belly Premium Club -When you order the book, you get 30 days access to this special membership club where new articles, videos and diet tips are posted weekly. You also get the chance to interact with other people who are following the diet.

The total price for the program, including the book and all the bonuses is currently only $37. This is, however, a temporary discount and the price may be raised to the usual price of $70 at any time.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the main pros and cons that I have identified with the Half Day Diet:

Pros

Allows you to lose weight and feel your best without starving yourself or suffering the usual drawbacks of low carb diets.

The diet is based on scientific research.

The diet is meant to be customized, so it can be used by people of all types, whether you are active or sedentary.

Cons

The diet, while allowing you more leeway than most diets, still requires some self-discipline. If you stray from the recommendations of when to eat carbs, for example, you will not succeed. You also have to be willing to change your eating habits if you currently eat lots of processed and junk foods.

Overall Value and Recommendation

The Half Day Diet provides a solution for the millions of people who have struggled with their weight and found that traditional low carb diets were not the answer. Nate Miyaki has come up with an innovative diet, backed by scientific research, that provides the benefits of low carb diets without the hunger, fatigue and other problems that typically come with these diets.

This diet, however, be seen as a magical solution that will allow you to lose all the weight you want overnight. It does require a certain amount of dedication. You will probably have to make some changes and pay attention to what you eat -and when. Nevertheless, if you are willing to follow the recommendations, there’s no reason why you can’t get the kind of results already attained by thousands of others. This is also a diet that can help you enjoy better health and more energy. In the long run, it can save you a great deal of money on medical bills.

The Half Day Diet comes with an unconditional money back guarantee, so there is no risk involved. Considering that you can get the book, along with several bonuses, for only $37, there really isn’t anything to lose by trying it. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who is trying to lose weight and is frustrated with traditional low carb diets.

]]>http://www.ladybirdln.com/day-diet-nate-miyaki-review/feed/0The best fat burning pills for womenhttp://www.ladybirdln.com/fat-burning-pills-women/
http://www.ladybirdln.com/fat-burning-pills-women/#respondSun, 23 Aug 2015 14:27:07 +0000http://www.ladybirdln.com/?p=652Pretty much everything you need to know about fat burning pills for women Believe it or not, it’s a lot easier to get the body of your dreams while losing dozens and dozens of pounds of fat in a hurry – you just need to know exactly what you’re doing! Truth be told, the old […]

]]>Pretty much everything you need to know about fat burning pills for women

Believe it or not, it’s a lot easier to get the body of your dreams while losing dozens and dozens of pounds of fat in a hurry – you just need to know exactly what you’re doing!

Truth be told, the old “just watch what you eat and exercise a bit” advice just isn’t cutting it anymore. Most of us aren’t all that excited about spending hours and hours in the gym each week (who could blame you), and you’d have a real uphill battle in front of you trying to tell people that they’ll never be able to eat their favorite foods ever again if they want to stay thin.

Thankfully, we now know that there are a bunch of different ways that you can go about losing weight (and losing weight permanently), and we’ve also created some pretty spectacular solutions like fat burning pills for women that actually work.

If you are serious about creating the body of your dreams without having to stress yourself out in the process, you’re going to want to pay close attention to all of the inside information we break down below.

Fat burning pills for women really work (though you need to know what you’re doing)

The first thing that we need to get out of the way immediately is that there is a world of difference between “real deal” fat burning pills for women and those supplements out there peddled by less than ethical marketers that are little more than modern day snake oil.

Yes, the market is currently flooded with some pretty scary stuff that not only cannot produce any real or consistent weight loss whatsoever, but might also pose serious and dangerous health risks – but that’s only one part of the equation.

There are also a lot of really ethical, really spectacular, truly honest companies out there produce game changing weight loss supplements and solutions designed to trigger almost effortless weight loss – solutions that not only work, but work almost across the board.

Those are the solutions that you need to be looking for, which is why you’re going to want to do a considerable amount of research and due diligence before you decide to take advantage of any of these fat burning pills for women.

With somebody different options out there, you’re going to want to know EXACTLY what you’re getting into.

Here are a couple of great fat burning pills for women

In order to jump start your search for the best fat burning pills for women, we are going to outline some of the best and most thoroughly proven solutions that you’ll want to research right off the bat.

We’re talking about:

Garcinia Cambogia

Forskolin and

White kidney beans

Garcinia Cambogia, a completely natural weight loss supplement produced from the extract of melons found throughout Southeast Asia and other tropical regions, is probably the potent and powerful of all the fat burning pills for women on the market today. This substance creates a cascade of biochemical reactions throughout the human body that almost forces you to lose all of your excess weight in a hurry, all without putting your short or long term health at risk.

Forskolin is also a pretty potent weight loss supplement made from all natural plants found in India, though it takes a different approach to creating real and lasting weight loss then Garcinia Cambogia does. The active ingredient in forskolin raises levels of cyclic AMP in the body, shooting your metabolism through the roof and burning excess fat in the process.

White kidney beans aren’t exactly fat burning pills for women in the traditional sense, but they are going to help you reduce in a hurry without ever putting your health at risk. Weight loss pills loaded with white kidney bean extract can be used as carbohydrate or starch blockers, or dietary components that cripple your body’s ability to produce new fat cells.

It’s a beautiful way to keep weight off that you’ve already lost permanently.

Looking for a couple of tips and tricks to make your fat burning pills even more effective?

If you are serious about cranking up the effectiveness of the weight loss solutions that you’re turning to, you’re going to want to pay attention to these two tips and tricks:

First, you’re going to want to overhaul your diet as much as possible. You don’t have to become anal about counting calories by any stretch of the imagination, but you are going to want to stay as far away from excess carbs, sugars, and other fat producing foods as much as you can while at the same time curbing your cravings.

Secondly, you’re going to want to get up and move more frequently than you probably do right now. Even just a little bit of moderate exercise 30 minutes a day can have a transformative impact on your body, but will also shoot your overall health and wellness levels through the roof as well.

Pair that up with the best fat burning pills for women and you’re looking at game changing results, here.